Sunak says no plans for closer integration with the EU

The British government stated that the country has no intention to maintain relations with the European Union (EU), following a Swiss approach. The new Cabinet, led by Rishi Sunak, disagreed with the Sunday Times' report regarding his office's plans to bring Britain closer to the EU. 

According to the paper, the government's goal is a closer economic collaboration of the country with the European Union in a Swiss-style. This statement, published by the Sunday Times, caused a flurry of criticism from Brexit followers. Thus, former finance minister Simon Clarke tweeted that the move is unacceptable. Nigel Farage, chairman of the UK Independence Party, also noted that these actions would be considered a "betrayal" of the British nation. 

Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association. The country has signed more than 120 bilateral agreements that provide it with access to the EU single market for goods and services. However, Switzerland is obliged to comply with a set of rules regarding the free movement of labor within the country, market conditions and annual payments to the European Union. These provisions are major barriers for Brexit proponents.